Last week was an adventurous yet spiritual journey for me. Initially, I had planned to join my team’s workshop in Bangalore, followed by a weekend trek to Netravathi. However, unexpected forest clearance issues canceled the trek, leaving me to rethink my plans. Spontaneously, I decided to embark on a serene one-day spiritual trip to Tanjore (Thanjavur) and Srirangam, making the most of the auspicious Kartika Maasa.
The Journey Begins
After deciding on Tanjore as my destination, I booked a sleeper ticket with RKT Travels. My colleague, Latheesh, kindly hosted me for dinner, serving a delicious Nellore karam dosa at his home. He also dropped me off at Silk Board near Giriyas showroom to catch the bus, scheduled for 10:15 PM. However, the bus arrived at 10:50 PM. Despite the delay, the excitement of visiting Tanjore kept my spirits high.
The bus reached Tanjore New Bus Stand around 7 AM the next morning. I quickly checked into a nearby hotel, paying ₹1170 for a non-AC room, freshened up, and was ready to explore by 8 AM.
Exploring Tanjore
I decided to visit the renowned Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple. It was 5 km from the bus stand, and locals suggested either walking or taking a city bus for ₹10. Choosing to walk, I soaked in the charm of Tanjore's streets and reached the temple by 9 AM.
The Majesty of Brihadeeswarar Temple
The Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an architectural marvel built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, boasts a massive 216-feet tall vimana (tower) carved from a single granite block. The temple is a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Chola dynasty, with intricate sculptures and murals that narrate stories from Hindu mythology. The tranquility and divine energy of the temple left me spellbound as I spent two hours exploring its beauty.
After the visit, I walked to the Old Bus Stand, had a quick breakfast, and boarded a bus to Kumbakonam at 10:30 AM.
Kumbakonam's Sacred Sites
The bus reached Kumbakonam by 12:10 PM. My first stop was the Mahamaham Pond, a holy tank believed to purify devotees during the Mahamaham festival. I then headed towards Kasi Viswanathar Temple and Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, but unfortunately, they were closed due to the timing. Feeling slightly disappointed, I decided to return to Tanjore and continue my journey to Srirangam.
Journey to Srirangam
After reaching Tanjore around 3:20 PM, I took a short nap and recharged my phone before heading to Srirangam via Tiruchirapalli. The bus from Tanjore to Tiruchirapalli cost ₹43, and I reached the CBS by 5:50 PM. From there, a local bus costing ₹11 took me to Srirangam, where I arrived by 6:15 PM.
The Divine Srirangam Temple
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Spanning over 156 acres, it is the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. The temple complex is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, featuring intricately carved gopurams (tower gates) and halls. Being a Saturday, the temple was bustling with devotees, but I was fortunate to get a glimpse of the divine darshan of Lord Ranganatha.
Returning to Bangalore
After receiving the blessings of Lord Ranganatha, I headed back to Tiruchirapalli CBS by 9 PM and boarded a bus to Tanjore. At 11 PM, I caught my return bus to Bangalore, concluding my one-day spiritual trip.
Reflections
This spontaneous journey turned out to be a soul-refreshing experience. The divine aura of Brihadeeswarar Temple and Srirangam Temple, combined with the simplicity of Tamil Nadu's culture, left a lasting impression. The architectural brilliance and spiritual energy of these temples are truly mesmerizing, making this trip a memorable one during the holy Kartika Maasa.
For those seeking a day filled with devotion, tranquility, and architectural wonders, Tanjore and Srirangam are perfect destination.
